If money were no object, just about anyone could buy their way to a green remodel. But how many of us have that luxury? And is it really necessary?

This remodel of a classic 1930-vintage home in South Park shows how much can be achieved for minimal expense with the careful selection of materials, and the application of a little “sweat equity.”

Owner Jennifer, a Green Building Advocate, is well sited to this endeavor. She is a Civil Engineer, the Principal of Earth Steward Improvements (a consulting entity focused on using resources wisely to better our world), and the Chair of Green-Spark.org, a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist and encourage homeowners in a sustainable and fire-resistant redevelopment in the aftermath of the 2007 wildfires.

When Jennifer and her husband moved in to this house this past February, it was in poor condition; every room and surface needed repair. Like many homes of that era, the interior was divided up into numerous small, dark, cramped spaces. Jennifer admits, “It was in very run down and energy inefficient condition, quite a pit actually!”

They removed walls, replaced counter tops, put down new flooring, added insulation to the walls (which had none), and in general revitalized the entire structure. In the process, they strove to preserve the style of the original design. The result is a bright, open, inviting and functional living space.

Existing features were restored where possible, and cost-effective sustainable materials were employed where a replacement was needed.

“Our cupboards were in really bad shape,” said Jennifer. “I was going to get new ones, and then it dawned on me one day that I could save a lot of money and a lot of material and a lot of waste if we just refurbished them.”

The kitchen counters were another story – they really needed to be replaced. The solution was a combination of reclaimed tile from Habitat for Humanity ($30), some natural stone trim from Lowe’s (about $60), and recycled glass tile from Oceanside Glasstile (about $150) – less than $250 for attractive, sustainable countertops.

All the windows were replaced – of course, with Energy Star, low-e fixtures. They trimmed the new windows with recycled fiber moulding (not wood) to match original style of the house.

This table and chair were purchased at Nativa, a local business featuring furniture made from 100% sustainably harvested materials.

This home is still a work in progress. “Part of the excitement of being on the Tour is that I’ll be pushed to finish by October,” Jennifer admitted.

If you’d like to see how much can be done with a little thought and effort – and talk to a green remodeling expert – stop by and let Jennifer show you her home.